Many of us spend our lives trying to convince our partners that they are more important than the car – or at least I do – rather unsuccessfully I might add. I can't help thinking that if you start the relationship the right way – equal focus on the car and the girl – then the expectations won’t be quite so high down the track. Good theory eh?

Well, Volvo and Fast Impressions appear to agree and have come to the rescue with a dating service that it could be argued combines car shopping and dating – and I can't think of a better way to begin a new relationship and keep everything in balance.

Volvo and Fast Impressions, have teamed up to launch Test Drive Dating™, a new in-car speed dating format for busy professionals.

"This is a highly prestigious event with the aim of introducing younger, more discerning consumers to the new range of Volvo models, such as the stylish C70, which appeal to the pre-family, design-orientated city single," said Matt Braid, Marketing Director, Volvo Car Australia. "We wanted to give people the chance to sit in the cars and really experience them in fun and exciting new ways."

Exclusive to Australia, the Test Drive Dating event series will treat more than 300 singles to an evening of glamour, Volvos, and perhaps even the chance to "go parking" on Thursday 31 July.

Following a successful pilot event held earlier this year, Volvo and Fast Impressions are set to roll out a series of larger events across Australia, with the first two being held next week at the Aurora Bar in Sydney, and Long Room in Melbourne.

The event allows participants to speed date with other singles whilst checking out Volvo's latest model range. Each guest is invited to take an eight minute break from the party, to be chauffeur-driven around the city in a Volvo as they get acquainted with their potential love interest.

"Fast Impressions members have been specially selected to attend these unique events which will see time-poor professionals experiencing a range of Volvo cars that match their lifestyle, whilst at the same time enjoying life, making new friends, and if sparks fly all the better!" said Justin Parfitt, Fast Impressions' founder and CEO.

According to the organizers, the pilot event was so successful that they are claiming a 95 percent match rate, although we are not sure if that is young professionals finding love or young professionals buying a new Volvo.